The van Kessel lab studies communication and behavior in pathogenic Vibrio bacteria.
We are interested in the molecular, genetic, and biochemical mechanisms that coordinate this developmental switch.
The focus of our research is on marine Vibrio bacteria, which are pathogens of fish, shellfish, coral, and mammals, including humans.
Research Areas:
- Genomics and Bioinformatics
- Microbial Cell Biology and Environmental Responses
- Microbial Interactions and Pathogenesis
The van Kessel lab studies how bacteria switch from acting as individuals to behaving as groups
We are interested in the genetic and molecular mechanisms that coordinate this developmental switch. The focus of our research is on LuxR, the master regulator of quorum-sensing gene expression in vibrios.
Research:
Projects:
- Mechanisms of LuxR transcriptional regulation of quorum-sensing genes
- Quorum-sensing regulation of group behaviors in vibrios
- Chemical inhibitors of quorum sensing in vibrios
Research Interests:
- bacterial cell-cell communication (quorum sensing), gene regulation, bacterial development, microbial genetics and biochemistry
